Conant forces the issue with defense

Conant coach Bill Modelski was disappointed with his team's defensive effort in last week's season-opening loss to Lake Park, a game in which the Cougars gave up 34 points.

Whatever message was preached in practice this week, it was received by the Cougars loud and clear.

Visiting Conant used a relentless, attacking defense to take advantage of every opportunity and every Rolling Meadows mistake, causing 5 turnovers in a 21-0 victory.

The Cougars recovered 2 fumbles and recorded 3 interceptions in shutting out a Mustangs team that was forced to call up a sophomore to start at quarterback due to injuries to starter Jimmy Garoppolo and his three varsity backups.

"We were bascially playing with our fifth-string quarterback," said Meadows coach Doug Millsaps. "That doesn't give you much of a chance."

Conant senior running back Kyle Klosowicz led the way on offense with 135 yards and 2 touchdowns.on 20 carries

"Their defense was strong, but we were able to overcome on offense," said 6-foot-5, 340-pound Conant offensive lineman Kenny Kalish. "Especially in the second half, we were able to take the ball and run it right down the field."

Conant quarterback Rico Prestia rushed 39 yards for the Cougars' other score.

"For us to be successful," said Modelski, "we've got to play good defense, and take care of the ball - and we did that tonight.

"We played hard on defense which was something we didn't do last week."

Klosowicz's 57-yard tackle-breaking touchdown run near the end of the second quarter staked the Cougars to a 7-0 halftime lead.

Then Conant senior Mike Lorenz returned the second-half kickoff to midfield, and two plays later Prestia's burst up the middle on third down put the visitors up by 2 touchdowns.

Conant defensive back Andrew Davis picked off a short pass from Rolling Meadows QB Derek Heer on the Mustangs next offensive play, and Klosowicz promply ran 8 yards off tackle to put the game out of reach.

Nolan Drake and Lorenz had the other 2 picks for Conant, while Eddy Pekovic and Ryan Gundersen recorded interceptions for the Mustangs.

Heer, the sophomore who was thrust into the limelight due to the Meadows injury bug, struggled early but did complete 6 consecutive passes in a late 17-play, 80 yard drive that stalled deep in Conant territoriy on downs.

"I had mixed emotions about Garoppolo being out," said Modelski. "It did make it easier for us, but on the other hand you prefer to play and compete with a team that's at full strength."